2011 St Péray, Cuvée Prestige, Domaine du Tunnel, Rhône
Critics reviews
Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 27/12/2012
Impressive wines from Cornas as well as the emerging appellation of St.-Peray have been produced by Stephane Robert. All three of the 2010 Cornas are brilliant examples of wines from this bucolic appellation sitting in a natural amphitheater (largely decomposed granite and gravel) with exceptional terroirs and expositions for most of its vineyards. There are four cuvees of white St.-Peray in 2011.
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #204, Dec 2012
About this WINE
Domaine Du Tunnel
Located in a somewhat anonymous back-street of St Peray in Rhone, Domaine Du Tunnel is forging a reputation as one of the leading wine producers in newly rejuvenated villages of St Peray and Cornas, both famous through history and throughout France for making, respectively, excellent white and red wines.
Now, with the savoir faire of young vignerons such as Stéphane Robert, this reputation is set to achieve more international recognition.
Stephane began building this domain in 1994, when he was 24. He now works with 3ha in Cornas, 2.5 in Saint Joseph and 2 in Saint Peray, most of which he owns Aiming for wines which are characterised by fruit intensity rather than oak
Saint-Péray
St Péray is a small Northern Rhône wine appellation situated directly south of Cornas, and directly west of Valence. There are 65 hectares of vineyards (mostly limestone-based), and the main production is sparkling wine made via the traditional method.
Ninety percent of the planting is Marsanne, the remainder being made up of Rousanne and the lesser-known Roussette. Production of still whites is on the increase and this is undoubtedly an appellation to watch.
Roussanne
Roussanne is one of the most important white grape varieties in the Rhône Valley. It is a particularly pernickety grape to cultivate being a notoriously low yielder as well as being highly susceptible to rot. It is difficult to ripen, and seemingly prone to oxidation at every opportunity. Roussanne's name comes from its russet-coloured skin and it produces richly aromatic wines, often with fruit characteristics of lime and blossom.
In the northern Rhône it is typically blended with Marsanne to produce the white wines of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St-Joseph, and St-Péray. Generally Marsanne is the dominant partner and it lends colour, body and weight to the blend, as well as richly scented fruit, while Roussanne contributes bouquet, delicacy and finesse.
It is grown less extensively in the southern Rhône although it is one of the permitted varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There are plantings of Roussanne in the Languedoc and Rousillon and in the last decade the grape have been cultivated with particular success in California, where it is produced both as a single varietal and as a component of Rhône-style blends.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
St Péray had slipped off my radar until my recent visit to the Rhône and to Stéphane Robert’s Domaine du Tunnel. Credit to a man who makes intense reds to show a deftness of touch with his whites – this cuvée has had time in barrique to add weight yet retain sprightly aromatics. Ready now and through 2015.
Tom Cave, Cellar Plan Manager
Made from 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne, the Prestige has been matured in barrique. The wine is generously coloured and combines citric definition with a waxy nougat richness and fresh finish.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer
Stéphane and Sandrine have built what I think a Valence Estate Agent would describe as a ‘dream house’ in the steep Cornas hillside behind St Peray. An unfeasible amount of glass ensures that the views of the serpentine Rhône are spectacular indeed; let us hope that window taxes have been abolished in this part of the Ardèche. Behind the property lies the eponymous tunnel, a former railway track long since abandoned, but now destined for summer parties and receptions. Stéphane is pleased with his 2011 wines; he praises their aromatic harmony and the quality of the fruit.
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee